Watkins’ Spiritual 100 List for 2017

8 Responses

1. 

   Ed Schulte February 6, 2017 at 4:20 am

   Very surprised to see Brother David Steindl-Rast is not on this 2017 list! He was at the 62 location in 2016 and since then has been the most appreciated of all the speakers at the initial “Tolle Foundation”/ Sounds True start up last fall..(and that included participates like Williamson, Kornfield etc. ) Brother David’s “Gratitude” website is also far more active then Tolle’s Now site. Also, Brother David’s “TED Talk” has 5 million (plus) views and is still going strong!!
2. 

   sarah marsden February 18, 2017 at 7:35 pm

   Thank you for the most interesting list. Glad to see Eckhart Tolle is still at the very top of the listings. No dogma and “religion” attached to him at all.
   I wonder if you ever consider those who have massive influence but who dont reach “fame” or “celebratey” status. I know of a truly spiritual teacher who has well over a million followers, but who keeps a very low profile. He is a Master who teaches in India and has meeting halls all over the world. His teachings are about Truth, and is inclusive of all world religions where Truth shines through. He has compiled many spiritual books ( the most recent …”A Treasury of Mystic Terms” in 10 volumes) most of which can be purchased for just a few pounds.
   The main sangat is based at Dera in Beas India. If you havent visited the web site you will find it at RSSB Dera Beas India, just go onto the Official site. There is a 2hr video (or a shorter one) which tells of the 100 and more years history and present day working of this “heaven on earth”
   The teachers name is Gurinder Singh, affectionately known as Baba Ji. Perhaps having visited the site and getting some of the many books, you may wish to add this teacher to your list for 2018. There is a headquarters in Bedford at Haynes Park (RSSB Haynes Park) which anyone can visit. They have spiritual a library there. (but a better one at Dera)
   I am sure it will be an eye opener if you havent heard of this wonderful spiritual teacher before..
3. 

   Michrlle February 18, 2017 at 8:13 pm

   I ? That you only listed those who embrace positive messages. ??
4. 

   Selin February 22, 2017 at 3:35 pm

   I appreciate the articles in this magazine and your efforts to introduce influential and inspirational people around the world. I see that Fetullah Gulen is in the 16th place in this list. To be honest, I was surprised by his ranking mainly because you say you tend to pick people who spread positive messages and display exemplary acts of altruism.
   Please read and research more about Gulen and his cult and then reevaluate your choice. Being a religious leader with millions of followers does not always mean this person is exemplary in every sense. Gulen society has loads-and loads- of skeletons in their closet and they are known for their cunning ways of filtering into the military, administrative, judicial and educational bodies of Turkish society. They’ve done more harm than good to our country since 1980s. I am not affiliated with any political organisations by the way. Nor am I a troll. I’m a Turkish national (an educator) who lives abroad and loves to expand her knowledge in every way possible.

   I’ve attached an article by an international writer. I hope this will enlighten you a little bit about the financial and political power Gulen society has. Thank you for your attention.
   http://rodrik.typepad.com/dani_rodriks_weblog/2016/07/is-fethullah-g%C3%BClen-behind-turkeys-coup.html
5. 

   Liv Clausen April 6, 2017 at 3:55 am

   EDIT of above comment. Pls admin, approve this edit instead of my first comment. TX a lot

   For those of you who care, I left this comment below this list of “Spiritually influential people”….I wish they would do more with their influence for ALL sentient beings.

   “Thats an impressive list. Though Im not familiar with every person on it, I have meet quite a few of them & familiar with some of these people’s fine work & concepts.
   I like to sincerely raise a point, that I’ve been baffled by for many years.
   Having been around the so-called ” Human potential movement” for quite a few decades, I find it increasingly surprising that so relatively many “Spiritually motivated” people are still participating in exploiting our sentient Friends, causing tremendous suffering via their animal product intake. Not to mention the environmental destruction & other scientifically proven reasons to live a Cruelty Free Footprint.

   For how “awake” many of these people claim to be, how can it be so nonchalantly acceptable to “talk the talk of compassion etc” but not walk the walk ? How about doing a survey of above list & how many of them are vegans ? How about raising this concern to them directly & ask them to use their influence in “Active spirituality”….such as to inspire: ALIGNING VALUES WITH DAILY ACTIONS.
   Ask them pls, to Join the Cruelty Free Revolution, make the connection & inspire Mercy for Animals.
   Thanks for your consideration & kind attention.
   Warmest
   Liv Clausen
6. 

   Elise July 24, 2017 at 3:09 pm

   Please consider Ilchi Lee for next year’s list. While his Wikipedia page is not up to date, his contributions to society are consistent and constant. He has written over 35 books on natural healing and lectures world wide with a message of self-acceptance, connection to the true self and living a life motivated by spiritual values and our ultimate inter-connectedness as stewards of the earth, rather than on materialistic and artificial man-made values. His messages encourage self-reflection and personal growth as the underpinning of our human evolution toward a more peaceful world. He reaches thousands of people world wide, provides spiritual guidance through his blogs and is always providing new methods to help people attain a higher level of health and happiness in their lives. My personal favorite books are ‘Living Tao,’ ‘The Power Brain’ and ‘Calligraphic Meditation’ and ‘Earth Management’ (not listed on the wikipedia page). He writes a blog on www.changeyourenergy.com where you can directly ask him questions and he submits answers for the public.
   I sincerely hope you will consider him for this list.
7. 

   Vivek Kunwar August 10, 2017 at 8:31 am

   The wisdom and vision Osho gave to world was incredible. Osho revealed the practical and meaningful explaination to ancient teachings of masters, whether it’s teachings of Jesus or Mohhamad,whether Lao Tzu or Krishna,whether Tantra or Budha.Osho told that coming century will neither be of Budha nor be of Riches.It will be belong to Zorba the Budha,fusion of (laughter and silence),(Science and spirituality),Modern and Simplicity).Osho told that in coming future their will be mystery Schools where seeker will experience divine.Osho told that secret of Samadhi and Divine remembrance will disclosed soon.
   Though spiritual leader mentioned in the list are remarkable but are only doing the motivational work to direct one toward oneness,non duality.But in 21st century we get confuse with so many spiritual teachings in internet and so many publications.All teaching contain one thing “Be Here an Now”
   The divine secret can be deliver to one who truly seek the answer.
   Living master is most essential in the path of spiritual journey who can clear your illusions and and keep an eye on your spiritual growth .
   I am not here to advertise but giving my genuine opinion that the stream of Osho teaching has reached to Oshodhara (tributary of Osho) where you can have the practical experiences of spiritual essence under the grace of enlightened masters Osho Sidharth(Osho disicple whom Osho gave the responsibility to continue his work),Osho Shailender(Osho disciple and younger brother) and Ma Osho PriyaOsho disciple.28 enlightenment phase and several wisdom sessions .
   At last I would conclude that do not rely on books or internet rather search for grace of Living master(there are many as enlisted above but ask them to disclose the divine secret of divine sound).They are not permitted by existence for it but Oshodhara is only mystery school where existence has permitted Sadguru’s to deliver direct experience to seeker.
   I pay my regards to all living Masters and thankful to see list of so many enlightened who also influenced my life.
   At least have one look on oshodhara.org
   Thanks its only because of people like you our world is still exist.
8. Watkins Top 100 List for 2017 – EDIV December 28, 2021 at 5:31 pm

   […] Watkins' esoteric bookstore in London publishes a Top 100 list of people in the spiritual field every year. Via his magazin Mind Body Spirit (number 49). Here is the list […]